“There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to one hope when you were called–one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
(Ephesians 4:4-6 NIV)
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In the Bible, there is reference to the church at Corinth, the church at Ephesus, the church at Galatia and so on. The church was not a reference to a building; rather the church described the believers, the Christians, the followers of Christ.
In the many years since, man has managed to divide the believers into buildings. Today, the word church commonly refers to the building and within its walls are the various denominations…the various faiths…the various divisions.
Christianity, by man’s standards, has become as varied as “Heinz 57.”
I think this is so sad. I’ve always been one geared more toward the believing aspect of faith than the church-going aspect. I think it would be nice if we could all get on the same page, or at least within the same book. (the bible)
True words! The sadness of it is our division within the body of Christ is causing others to stay disconnected from the body of Christ. Lord help us to do better!
Wonderful Post so I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award…Many, many blessings to you…Robin
http://mychristiancoffeeshop.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Amen.
The time is NOW for Christians of all denominations to UNITE!
True words, but sad ones. We must learn to agree on the important things and let the unimportant remain unimportant. Thanks for addressing this. I appreciate your blog and thank you for encouraging me with your “likes.”
I wonder, do people turn away from Christianity because of the “Heinz 57” approach, because we can’t or won’t get it together?
Keep the Faith!
Heart wrenching, especially seeing what it is that usually divides. Paul remedied much of this in Romans 14, but it seems we are a people bent on worrying over non-essentials, rather than concentrating on the fundamental… Jesus! Paul also said, “I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received… Jesus! (1 Cor. 15)” Urgent thoughts today, good friend… we must be one, for Christ is not divided (how can His body be?).
How this must break God’s heart. So true. Therefore, for the whole church in Christ Jesus (all who follow and love Him…) I pray as Jesus prayed: http://bible.cc/john/17-21.htm